How Much Does Sibiu Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Sibiu serves as a highly affordable gateway to the Transylvanian Alps, offering a cost profile that is significantly lower than Western European mountain hubs like Innsbruck or Salzburg. Visitors can expect a versatile spending range, with daily budgets spanning from $45 / 195 lei for budget-conscious travelers to $358 / 1,552 lei for those seeking luxury heritage stays. The city’s value is particularly evident in its accessibility to the Cindrel Mountains and the nearby Păltiniș ski resort, where premium experiences remain accessible. Costs are driven primarily by a mix of affordable local transit and world-class cultural sites that often charge less than $2.35 / 10 lei for entry. Whether exploring the medieval Upper Town or using the city as a base for high-altitude trekking, the financial barrier to entry remains remarkably low for a destination of this caliber.
Is Sibiu expensive to visit?
Sibiu is an exceptionally affordable destination where travelers should plan for a daily budget of $45–$358 / 195 lei–1,552 lei depending on their choice of accommodation and outdoor activities.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Sibiu
$45
per person /day
$173
per person /day
$358
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $135 | $520 | $1,075 |
| 5-Day Trip | $226 | $866 | $1,791 |
| 7-Day Trip | $315 | $1,213 | $2,508 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is wise to maintain a 15% budget buffer to account for the 2% city tourist tax and the customary 10% restaurant tip. Additionally, keep roughly $3.47 / 15 lei spare for manual luggage storage if planning a late mountain departure after hotel checkout.
How Does It Compare?
See how Sibiu stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Sibiu
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Inexpensive Restaurant Meal Typical for a local lunch or casual dinner (~$12 / 50 lei). | $12 50 lei |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5L) A standard local draft beer costs ~$3.24 / 14 lei. | $3.24 14 lei |
| Cappuccino in Old Town Artisan coffee shops in the Big Square may charge slightly more (~$3.47 / 15 lei). | $3.47 15 lei |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Single Bus Trip (Internal) Valid for 60 minutes. Costs ~$0.81 / 3.52 lei. | $0.81 3.52 lei |
| Bus Line 11 (Airport to City) The most economical way to reach the city center from the airport (~$0.81 / 3.52 lei). | $0.81 3.52 lei |
| Taxi Ride (per km) Expect to pay ~$3.53–$5.89 / 15 lei–25 lei for most rides within the city limits. | $0.72 3.11 lei |
| Daily Bus Pass Unlimited travel for one day for ~$1.61 / 6.98 lei. | $1.61 6.98 lei |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Dorm Bed at Hi Bye! Hostel Highly rated hostel near the city center. Prices convert to ~$19 / 80 lei per night. | $19 80 lei |
| Standard Room at Ramada Sibiu Hotel A reliable mid-range choice in the city center. Costs approximately $125 / 540 lei per night for two adults. | $125 541 lei |
| Luxury Suite at Noblesse Boutique Resort Premium boutique accommodation in a restored heritage building. Suite prices average ~$219 / 948 lei. | $220 951 lei |
Activities (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| ASTRA Open-Air Museum Adult Ticket The highest adult tier for international visitors (~$8.09 / 35 lei). | $8.09 35 lei |
| Brukenthal Combined Museum Ticket Covers all palace galleries and external museum houses. Costs ~$14 / 60 lei. | $14 60 lei |
| Council Tower Access The cheapest bird's-eye view of the city (~$0.46 / 1.99 lei). | $0.46 1.99 lei |
| Lutheran Cathedral Tower Entry Includes the view from the tallest tower in Transylvania (~$2.31 / 9.99 lei). | $2.31 9.99 lei |
Other (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Arena Platoș Ski Pass (Full Day) Standard adult full-day pass during peak winter season (~$30 / 130 lei). | $30 130 lei |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
Dining in Sibiu is characterized by hearty Transylvanian portions at modest prices, with an inexpensive restaurant meal typically costing around $12 / 50 lei. Socializing in the historic Big Square is also accessible, where a local draft beer averages $3.24 / 14 lei and an artisan cappuccino is priced near $3.47 / 15 lei. For those heading into the mountains, stocking up at local bakeries and markets provides significant savings over resort-side dining.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Super Mama
$6.47–$10 / 28 lei–45 leiMultiple Locations (Big Square, Nicolae Bălcescu) · Local chain
The 'Menu of the Day' is an incredible value at ~$7.42 / 32 lei for a two-course meal.
Simpa Bakery
$0.58–$2.31 / 2.5 lei–9.99 leiOld Town · Bakery
Try a hot 'covrig cu mac' for less than ~$0.59 / 2.55 lei—the quintessential Sibiu snack.
Gogoșeria Bunătățile de la bunica
$1.15–$3.47 / 5 lei–15 leiStrada Nicolae Bălcescu · Street food area
A giant donut filled with chocolate or jam costs ~$1.29 / 5.61 lei.
Snack City
$4.15–$8.09 / 18 lei–35 leiLower Town · Local chain
Perfect for a quick, cheap bite while exploring the Lower Town; a large slice is ~$4.12 / 18 lei.
Cibin Market (Piața Cibin)
$2.31–$6.93 / 9.99 lei–30 leiNear Lower Town · Street market
Buy fresh local cheese (telemea) and bread for a picnic for under ~$5.89 / 25 lei.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Navigating the region is economical, with a single bus trip costing just $0.81 / 3.52 lei and a daily pass available for $1.61 / 6.98 lei. Reaching the city from the airport is equally affordable via Bus Line 11 for $0.81 / 3.52 lei, while taxis within the city limits generally range from $3.53–$5.89 / 15 lei–25 lei, based on a rate of $0.72 / 3.11 lei per km.
Accommodation Overview
Lodging options cater to all levels, starting with well-rated dorm beds at Hi Bye! Hostel for $19 / 80 lei per night. Mid-range comfort at established properties like Ramada Sibiu Hotel costs approximately $125 / 541 lei, while those seeking heritage luxury at Noblesse Boutique Resort can expect suites around $220 / 951 lei.
Accommodation Budget in Sibiu
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Purchase a Daily Bus Pass for $1.61 / 6.98 lei if planning multiple trips between the Lower Town and the suburbs, as it pays for itself after just two rides.
- 2 Visit the ASTRA Open-Air Museum for $8.09 / 35 lei; it is one of the largest in Europe and offers a full day of outdoor exploration for the price of a single meal.
- 3 Climb the Council Tower for just $0.46 / 1.99 lei for the best panoramic views of the city and the Făgăraș Mountains without the higher price of other viewpoints.
- 4 Eat at Super Mama for high-quality, fast-casual Romanian food that typically costs less than $12 / 51 lei per person.
- 5 Buy trail snacks and supplies at Cibin Market (Piața Cibin) near the Lower Town, where local producers sell fresh goods at lower prices than supermarkets.
- 6 Opt for the Lutheran Cathedral Tower Entry at $2.31 / 9.99 lei if the Council Tower is crowded; it provides a higher vantage point for a very low fee.
- 7 Use the Brukenthal Combined Museum Ticket for $14 / 60 lei to access multiple galleries and houses rather than paying separate admission fees at each site.
- 8 Grab a pastry at Simpa Bakery in the Old Town for a quick, filling snack that costs significantly less than a sit-down cafe breakfast.
- 9 When heading to the mountains, take the bus to Păltiniș instead of a private shuttle to save roughly $18–$24 / 76 lei–102 lei on transport costs.
- 10 Avoid the $3.47 / 15 lei luggage storage fee at the train station by asking your hostel or hotel to hold bags for free after checkout.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Jul, Aug, Dec
+25–40%
Jan, Feb, Nov
-20–30%
May, Jun, Sep
December is magical but expensive due to the famous Christmas Market. For hiking and Transfăgărășan access, June and September offer the best weather-to-price balance, with savings of ~$18–$35 / 76 lei–153 lei per night compared to August.
Events to Watch
- ● FITS International Theatre Festival (June): +50% hotels
- ● Sibiu Christmas Market (Dec): +30% hotels
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Cross the Bridge of Lies, Romania's oldest cast-iron bridge, and test the local legend for free.
- 2 Wander through Piața Mare (The Big Square) to observe the iconic 'Eyes of Sibiu' on the historic rooftops.
- 3 Explore the Passage of the Stairs, a picturesque 13th-century stone walkway connecting the Upper and Lower Towns.
- 4 Visit the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral, a stunning Byzantine-style structure with elaborate frescoes and free entry.
- 5 Walk through Sub Arini Park, one of Romania's oldest and largest parks, featuring over 68 species of trees.
- 6 View the medieval fortifications and towers along Cetății Street, including the Carpenters' and Potters' Towers.
- 7 Step into the Small Square (Piața Mică) to see the arcaded houses that once served as artisan workshops.
- 8 Visit the Huet Square to admire the Gothic architecture of the surrounding buildings and the exterior of the Brukenthal High School.
- 9 Explore the Goldsmiths' Square (Piața Aurarilor) for a quiet look at medieval residential architecture away from the main crowds.
- 10 Enter the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church on the Big Square to see its Baroque interior and stunning altar.
- 11 Walk the 'Route of the Citadels' along the remaining city walls to see how the medieval defense system functioned.
- 12 Visit the Ursuline Church, a former monastery with a unique blend of Gothic and Baroque architectural styles.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Traditional Feast at Crama Sibiul Vechi
A historic cellar restaurant offering the best traditional Transylvanian cuisine. A full feast with wine is ~$41 / 178 lei.
Private Day Tour to Transfăgărășan
The world's best driving road; a private driver allows you to enjoy the views without stress for ~$104 / 449 lei.
Weekend Skiing at Păltiniș
Combine a day pass (~$29 / 127 lei) with equipment rental (~$35 / 153 lei) for a premium mountain experience.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Sibiu
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Sibiu and what they cost
Sighișoara
$14 / 60 lei by train
$4.63 / 20 lei
$35 / 150 lei
Corvin Castle (Hunedoara)
$18 / 80 lei by bus/train
$9.25 / 40 lei
$42 / 180 lei
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Romanian Leu (RON)
1 $ ≈ 4.33 lei
Yes
Widely accepted in hotels and restaurants; cash needed for bus kiosks, small bakeries, and markets.
10% is standard in restaurants. Rounding up is common for taxi drivers and in cafés (~$0.24–$1.18 / 1.02 lei–5.1 lei).
Use bank-affiliated ATMs (BCR, BRD, ING) for better rates. Avoid Euronet ATMs which charge fees of ~$4.71–$8.24 / 20 lei–36 lei per withdrawal.
Connectivity
eSIM: $4.12–$29 (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $5.89–$14 / 25 lei–61 lei at the airport or Orange stores.
WiFi: Excellent in most cafés, hotels, and the Big Square.
A local Orange SIM provides the best value if staying over a week, but Airalo is easiest for short stays.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Sibiu.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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